Engage DuPage

Implemented in August 2013, the Engage DuPage program serves as a primary method to assist uninsured emergency department patients with access to care through linkage with benefits and financial assistance, a connection with a primary care provider (PCP), and linkages to other services or community resources. Community Access Specialists from the DuPage County Health Department meet with uninsured patients at emergency departments of two large hospitals in the county and schedule follow-up services to link them with benefits.

The goals of Engage DuPage include improving the health status of self-pay Emergency Department patients, increasing the revenue appropriately owed to hospitals for services rendered, improving the financial assistance processes involving self-pay Emergency Department patients, and reducing the number of avoidable Emergency Department visits among self-pay patients.

By the end of 2014, 57% of all benefit applications that were submitted were approved. In addition, 29% of all interested patients were connected to a primary care provider through a Community Access Specialist.

As a result of Engage DuPage, over 1,200 hospital patients were interviewed in 2014 and 50% of all patients were eligible to be enrolled in the program. Patients kept 67% of follow-up appointments with Community Access Specialists. In addition, 324 hospital financial assistance applications were filed and 358 benefit applications were submitted. At the conclusion of 2014, 57% of all benefit applications were approved while an additional 28% were pending approval. Benefit applications included medical coverage as well as health supporting access programs such as all forms of Medicaid, Marketplace plans, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and local Access DuPage and DuPage Medical Assistance Programs. Lastly, 29% of all interested patients were newly connected to a PCP.